Sleep deprivation, which leads to chronic insomnia, is more prevalent in women than in men.
According to Abdurahmaan Kenny, neuroscience product manager for Pharma Dynamics, sleep deprivation is a growing problem.
Kenny said not getting the right amount of shut-eye increases the risk of developing a host of physical and mental health disorders.
Insomnia affects an estimated one in four adults at some point in their lives, with 10–15% experiencing chronic insomnia and a further 25–35% reporting occasional insomnia.
“Insomnia is more common in women because of hormonal fluctuations, a predisposition to depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as circadian rhythm disorders and coexisting medical problems,” said Kenny.
Leading causes of death
He pointed out that insufficient sleep has been linked to seven of the 15 leading causes of death, including cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, accidents, diabetes, and hypertension.
“Long-term sleep deprivation can affect various bodily functions, impacting cognitive abilities, mood, and overall health.
“It can lead to increased stress, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, depression and anxiety, as well as a weakened immune system.”
Other critical factors that contribute to insomnia include stressors such as grief, chronic pain, substance abuse, medical comorbidities, impaired social relationships, lower socioeconomic status, and old age.
Those who sleep less than six hours a night also tend to struggle with weight issues, having a body-mass index of 12% greater than those who sleep between seven and nine hours.
Insomnia underdiagnosed
Kenny said that despite the high incidence, insomnia is still largely underdiagnosed and undertreated.
“Common factors that hinder the diagnosis of insomnia and the management thereof are time-constrained doctor’s consultations, which often do not allow for enough questions about a patient’s overall wellbeing.”
Kenny said addressing sleep deprivation early and adopting healthy sleep practices is crucial to preventing the development of chronic insomnia.
“If you think you have insomnia, treating it typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, behavioural strategies, and, in some cases, medical intervention.”
